Ranking The Beatles - #199 - 12 Bar Original with Adam Hill, Memphis based engineer/producer (Big Star, Jack White, Klaus Voorman, Low Cut Connie)

#199 - 12 Bar Original with Adam Hill, Memphis based engineer/producer (Big Star, Jack White, Klaus Voorman, Low Cut Connie)

Explicit content warning

10/27/20 • 67 min

Ranking The Beatles

Few can dispute the fact that The Beatles were masters at the craft of songwriting. Melding music and lyrics was literally THEIR THING. They were GREAT at it. So it's an odd move for them to undertake recording a Memphis R&B styled instrumental during the sessions for Rubber Soul. A track owing more than just a tip-of-the-cap to Booker T. & The MGs' "Green Onions ,""12 Bar Original" finds the band doing their best to step WAY out of their lane. The track gets tossed into the archives eventually and Rubber Soul gets spared this white boy groove, but if nothing else, it serves as love letter from the band to the music of Memphis and Stax Records, Detroit and Motown, and New Orleans R&B legends, all of whom serve as the literal foundation of what The Beatles are building upon in their own way. That love proved to be reciprocal, especially in Memphis, with Stax legends like Otis Redding, Carla Thomas, Isaac Hayes, and the aforementioned Booker T. & The MGs, not to mention non-Stax acts like Al Green (to say nothing of power-pop acolytes Big Star, but that's a whole other episode - and it's coming) all embracing, covering, and reinventing The Beatles music.

To explore the love-in between the Fabs and Memphis, we welcome Memphis-based engineer & producer Adam Hill into the two-timers club. Having been submersed in the music scene and recording industry in Memphis for the better part of 20 years, Adam gives us a history lesson through the river that runs from Liverpool to Bluff City. We also touch on The Beatles' aborted plans to record the album that would become Revolver in Memphis, choosing the wrong instruments to get funky on, and the surprising mystery of an acetate rough-mix of "A Day In The Life" surfacing in Memphis months before Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band was released.

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Previous Episode

#200 Act Naturally with Chapel Hart

Country music always played a part in The Beatles' story, more so than it probably gets credit for. Cavern and Hamburg sets featured covers of songs from the likes of Chet Atkins and Carl Perkins, while George's early lead style is massively influenced by them as well, all the way down to his choice of guitar. Ringo's love of country ends up with him doing a full on country album with studio giants in 1971 in Nashville, but before that, he dips his toes in the the country pool with his own songs and cover choices, like #200, "Act Naturally." Ringo's natural acting chops had come to the forefront in their first two films, so it made the most sense for him to be the one singing "they're gonna put the in the movies" on this Buck Owens tune. His persona carries the tune as well, leaning into the "aw shucks"ness naturally inherent in his voice, and for 4 guys who grew up as far away from "country" as possible, they do a fine job on this tune, which serves it's purpose well as the token Ringo vocal on "Help!".

Joining us this week is Chapel Hart, a country band consisting of 2 sisters, Danica and Devyn, and their cousin Trea. Their single "Jesus & Alcohol" is currently working it's way up the CMT charts and at country radio, as they try finding safe and smart ways to continue touring and working as a band during cover. They were recently named Mississippi Songwriters of the Year, and we discuss learning about songwriting from the diversity of the radio and learning wordplay from John Lennon. We also touch on crossing over from country to rock and vice versa, keeping a thesaurus and a wrench in your purse, and how they got Z.Z. Top legend Billy Gibbons to appear in their music video. Find out all at about Chapel Hart at www.chapelhart.com, check them out on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Their video for "Jesus & Alcohol," featuring Billy MF'in Gibbons, can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_bMgoPAlTY

Send us your HOT TAKES for a chance to be featured in a future episode! Visit anchor.fm/rankingthebeatles, and click on Message. You can do it from your phone or computer, and send us your thoughts on a track we've discussed or any particular thing that you'd like to hear us yammer on about!

Next Episode

#198 Don't Bother Me & #197 Ask Me Why with Jak Locke (Jak Locke Rock Show) & Angie Tusa

As a musician, I couldn't ever imagine having the world hear the first song I ever wrote...or have the guts to put that first song on a record that's expected to sell millions of copies. But that's just what happens with #198, George's "Don't Bother Me." It checks all the 60's early rock boxes, all while in a minor key! Impressive? George called it "not a great song," and maybe he's not wrong, but its not awful, and it certainly shows a better beginning than anything I ever wrote. #197, "Ask Me Why," hits a spot I love: Early John drawing inspiration from R&B. This Smokey Robinson & The Miracles-inspired tune finds the band dropping some FANTASTIC 3 part harmony, with some clever lyrics...but does it sound like The Beatles?

This week, we're joined by....another couple! Jak Locke (Jak Locke Rock Show) is a New Orleans-based musician, and Angie Tusa is an accountant, painter, and podcaster....and they're married, just like us! The difference is, SHE's The Beatles nut, and he's the casual fan. We dive into the role The Beatles, their music, and their own interpersonal and romantic relationships have impacted or inspired our own, and how having a partner who provides love and support can enable you to become the best version of yourself, for you AND your partner. We also touch on the being a product of your own record collection, kids being the worst, and Jak and Angie show off a very special piece of memorabilia.

You can check out Jak's new record "Loud As Me," along with all his music from various bands at www.jaklocke.com and all streaming platforms. The track "Hannah" is featured in this episode, as well as several Beatles covers he's done with various bands. Angie's podcast, Schumacast (A journey through the films of Joel Schumacher) can be heard at https://schumacast.blogspot.com and at various podcast platforms.